Counseling
HIV testing for the purpose of identification of an individual
is always undertaken after pre-test counseling and informed
consent in the prescribed proforma. Testing without proper pre-test
counseling and informed consent have proven to be counter productive
as the individual may not return for collecting the report or
may be driven underground because of fear of stigma and discrimination.
This makes delivery of preventive intervention measures more
difficult.
The confidentiality of the test result (either negative or positive)
is strictly maintained to respect the privacy and rights of
the individuals to protect them from discrimination, victimization
and ostracisation. The test report is handed over by the Counselor
to the individual after post-test counseling in respect of those
who come on their own to the VCTC to know their HIV status.
In case of the patients referred by a physician, the result
is delivered to the respective physician in a sealed envelope.
It is the responsibility of the individual physician to counsel
the person before revealing the result. In case, wherein, the
blood sample is sent by physicians for HIV testing, it is the
responsibility of the physician incharge to carry out pre-test
counseling, obtaining consent of the patient, maintain confidentiality
of the test result and impart post-test counseling before revealing
the results.
In both cases mentioned above the person should be encouraged
to reveal the result to the spouse / partner and bring him/her
for counseling services. In case he fails to do so it is obligatory
on the treating physician to notify the result to the partner
/ spouse as per Supreme Court decision.
